Ms. Deborah Hudson, currently Director of the Department of Fiscal & Administrative Services, is promoted to the position of Deputy County Administrator. Ms. Hudson's promotion is effective as of Aug. 5.

"Charles County is fortunate to have someone as talented as Deborah Hudson as Deputy County Administrator. Her work ethic and fiscal background are ideal qualifications for this position," said County Administrator Mark Belton.

"I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve in a new role. I feel like I have great working relationships, and I am happy to continue my career here in Charles County," said Ms. Hudson.

Under the direction of the County Administrator, Ms. Hudson will work in collaboration with departments to carry out work on assigned county functions, projects, programs, and services. In this role, Ms. Hudson will assist in overseeing the day-to-day administrative functions of the County Administrator's Office, and serve as Acting County Administrator during short-term absences of the County Administrator.

"Deborah has a passion for excellence, and she has shown great leadership and skill in working with departments countywide. It gives me confidence that she is a good fit for this position," said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.

"Ms. Hudson consistently demonstrates a high level of expertise and professionalism," said Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3). "I am certain she will continue to be an asset to Charles County Government."

Ms. Hudson began her career with Charles County Government in October 2007 as the Director of Administrative Services. She has managed five diverse divisions: accounting, budget, information technology, purchasing, and treasury. Under her leadership, the county has consistently received high ratings from the three major national credit rating agencies.

"Deborah's knowledge of county government, her attention to detail, and her excellent relationships with staff will be invaluable as she takes on this new role. I am excited for her," said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).

Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2) said, "Ms. Hudson has emerged as a strong leader in county government, and has a strong knowledge of the county's operations. I'm excited to be working more closely with her."

Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4) said, "I believe Ms. Hudson's service will be of great benefit to the County Administrator and a positive addition in this position to the administration; her knowledge of fiscal matters and experience is a continuing asset to our County government and citizens."

Prior to her employment with Charles County Government, Ms. Hudson served as Purchasing Manager for Charles County Public Schools and Director of Finance for Calvert County Public Schools.

Ms. Hudson has a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. David Eicholtz will serve as Acting Director of the Fiscal & Administrative Services Department. The county will recruit for the Fiscal & Administrative Services Director position.

Charles County Shows Its Green Side

On Monday, July 15, the Charles County Commissioners gave an energy assessment tour to Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) officials, including COG Executive Director Chuck Bean. The NRG Morgantown Generating Station, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) solar farm, and the Charles County Renewable Energy Education Center were part of the tour.

NRG Energy, the nation's largest independent power producer, hosted the group at its Morgantown coal-fueled plant in Newburg. SMECO presented an overview of their solar farm located in Hughesville, which is a 33-acre site with more than 23,000 specifically angled solar panels on racks. The tour concluded at the Charles County Renewable Energy Education Center inside the Crain Memorial Welcome Center in Newburg, featuring the 12-kilowatt wind turbine and the center's electric vehicle charging station.

"It was a pleasure to host the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in Charles County and to show some of the ways that Charles County is protecting and conserving the earth's resources. These green projects are improving the quality of life of every Charles County resident," said Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3).

"We were honored to have COG staff familiarize themselves with the energy assets in Charles County, and our citizens can be extremely proud of the renewable energy portfolio we were able to spotlight," said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).

The Charles County Commissioners are seeking county residents to fill vacancies on the following boards, committees, and commissions:

-- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board

-- Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board

-- Animal Matters Hearing Board

-- Area Council on Aging

-- Board of Appeals

-- Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board)

-- Board of Electrical Examiners

-- Board of Social Services

-- Disadvantaged Business Loan Review Committee

-- Ethics

-- Heritage Commission

-- Historic Preservation Commission

-- Homeowners' Association Dispute Review Board

-- Housing Authority Board of Charles County

-- Monument Commission

-- Newly Established Neighborhood Traffic Calming Task Force

-- Nuisance Abatement Board

-- Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board

-- Newly Established School Adequate Public Facilities Program and Funding Review Committee

-- Wicomico Scenic River Commission

There is one vacancy for an alternate position on the six-member Board of Appeals for an unexpired four-year term. The Board members receive a stipend. Meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

There is one vacancy on the Ethics Commission. This vacancy is for an alternate citizen member. The Board meets at least quarterly and currently on a monthly basis at 7 p.m. in the County Government Building. Members serve four-year terms.

There is one vacancy on the Board of Electrical Examiners for a Charles County Licensed Master Electrician. Members serve four-year terms.

The County Commissioners are seeking persons interested in Commissioner-nomination for the Governor's consideration for membership on the Charles County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board. The Board meets approximately 1 to 2 times per month on Wednesdays. Terms are five years. Those interested in nomination must contact: DesotoC@CharlesCounty.org to obtain an Office of the Governor Request for Appointment Consideration Biographical Information Form.

Positions remain open until filled. Applications and a detailed list of all current vacancies are available on the Charles County Government website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by contacting Ms. Carol DeSoto, Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC@CharlesCounty.org. A separate application must be submitted for each membership for which you wish to apply.

Annual Early Childhood Day Event Offers Kids a Great Start

The annual Charles County Early Childhood Day event connects parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals to resources and activities to help children get on jump start on education. The rain or shine event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Capital Clubhouse, 3033 Waldorf Marketplace in Waldorf.

With a "back-to-school" theme, this year's Early Childhood Day brings child care providers, early learning experts, and organizations that work with children and families together in Charles County. The Charles County Sheriff's Office will teach kids about bike safety, My Gym's Children's Center will offer physical fitness activities, Charles County Public Library will have reading activities, and the Center for Children will offer developmental screenings. Plus, face painting, balloons, music, games, rock climbing, backpacks, door prizes, storytellers, and storybook characters are just a few of the kid-friendly options available.

Early childhood matters in Charles County. The Early Childhood Advisory Council's mission is that all Charles County children, age newborn through five, enter school ready to learn.

For more information, call Ms. D. Mia Gray, Early Childhood Specialist at 301-396-5244 or GrayM@CharlesCountyMD.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Aug. 3

The Charles County Department of Public Works would like to remind citizens that the next household hazardous waste collection for this year will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3. The household hazardous waste collection site is located in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works building, located at 10430 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata. Collection hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Items accepted free of charge include: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, gasoline, oil-based paint, cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, batteries, expired prescription drugs, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, and other poisons found in the home. Please remember to mark any container that does not have a readable, original label.

Unacceptable materials include bio-medical waste (sharps, needles, anything with bodily fluids) and ammunition. Used motor oil, anti-freeze, propane tanks, and batteries are accepted on a regular basis at various collection sites. Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and can be placed in your household trash as long as it is solidified. This can be accomplished by adding kitty litter, shredded paper, or sawdust to the liquid latex paint to aid in drying it out.

For more information, call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778, or the landfill and recycling information line at 301-932-5656. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.